American Horror Story is back, but the big return marked the show's lowest rated premiere since American Horror Story Season 1. 

The highly anticipated return pulled in 3.9 million viewers and a 2.0 rating among adults 18-49. Given the hype and promotion for the show, the numbers are a bit of a shocker. 

It still emerged as the highest rated scripted show of the night. 

For comparison purposes the previous seasons debuted as follows:

• American Horror Story Season 1 launched with 3.2 million viewers and a 1.6 rating. 

• American Horror Story Season 2 launched with 3.9 million viewers and a 2.2 rating. 

• American Horror Story Season 3 launched with 5.5 million viewers and a 3.0 rating. 

• American Horror Story Season 4 launched with 6.1 million viewers and a 3.1 rating. 

• American Horror Story Season 5 launched with 5.8 million viewers and a 3.0 rating. 

• American Horror Story Season 6 launched with 5.1 million viewers and a 2.8 rating. 

The show is generally front-loaded with drop-off throughout the season, but could Cult stay steady throughout? Time will tell. 

With the show focusing on politics more than ever during Season 7, a lot of viewers have reacted negatively to the new plot.

That could be part of the reason for the lower than expected ratings. 

It is still a solid rating for the show, but there's no telling how the ratings will go in the coming weeks. 

Over to you, American Horror Story Fanatics. What did you think of it? 

Will the show stay stable?

Sound off below. 

Remember you can watch American Horror Story online right here via TV Fanatic. Get caught up now!

American Horror Story airs Tuesdays on FX.

Paul Dailly was an Associate Editor for TV Fanatic.Follow him on X.